From Deseret News archives:

Red (starters) totally dominate White (reserves)

Published: Sunday, April 22, 2007 12:12 a.m. MDT
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Things went according to script in Utah's annual Red & White Game.

The Red team, stacked with first- and second-stringers, overpowered the White squad, 59-7.

"It wasn't unexpected. It was what we expected to happen," said coach Kyle Whittingham. "We've still got to go out and execute, catch and all those type of things, and I thought we did a nice job doing that."

Quarterbacks Brian Johnson and Tommy Grady combined to complete 18-of-20 passes for 296 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Brent Casteel headlined the effort by scoring on a pair of long plays — a 75-yard pass from Johnson and a 68-yard run.

"It was a good start," said Casteel. "We've got a lot of work to do. So we're going to keep working, have a good few weeks off and come back strong."

Utah's spring football finale, which drew several thousand spectators to Rice-Eccles Stadium, showcased talent on both sides of the ball.

Running back Darrell Mack had a stellar outing with nine carries for 108 yards and two touchdowns, including a 51-yard run. Bradon Godfrey led the receiving corps with six catches for 106 yards.

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The defensive standouts included safety Joe Dale, who recovered a fumble and recorded a sack. Other notable defensive performances for the Red squad were registered by Greg Newman (a sack and a tackle-for- loss), Sean Smith (interception and a tackle-for-loss), Koa Misi (sack), Matt Martinez (tackle-for-loss), Brice McCain (pass breakup) and Alex Puccinelli (pass breakup).

"I think we solidified the depth chart, which was important," said defensive coordinator Gary Andersen. "There's still some question marks going into fall like there always is, but we're much closer."

The Utes, he said, completed spring ball by improving on points where they need improvement.

Gabe Long and Kenape Eliapo locked in as starters at defensive tackle, while Pauli Latu, Zeke Tuinei-Wily and Neli A'asa made strides toward joining the rotation. Backup spots at cornerback and a starting nickel back are among several battles that will continue to be contested.

"We've still got a long ways to go," said Andersen. " But that's what summer is for."

Offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig has a similar outlook.

"We've got a lot of work to do over the summer because we've got to go rolling in to the opener at Corvallis (Aug. 30)," he said. "Spring ball is just a start to what we've got to accomplish. We're on track, but we've got a lot of hard work ahead of us."

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Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret Morning News

Utah quarterback Brian Johnson, who helped lead the Red team to a convincing victory over the White squad, takes a snap on Saturday.

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